Mike Williams probably thought his stint with the New York Jets was going to be a fresh start, but it turned out to be shorter-lived than a reality TV marriage. After a disappointing time, Williams was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the deadline, and the partnership has already shown promising potential.

In his first game with the Steelers, Williams made the most of his limited opportunities, recording one catch for 32 yards – but that was no ordinary catch. It was also the deciding touchdown, helping the Steelers secure a victory over Washington and bringing their record to an impressive 7-2, placing them firmly at the top of the AFC North.

In the aftermath of the exhilarating Week 10 win, Williams took to Instagram to subtly throw shade at his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, after being publicly critiqued by him earlier this season for a supposed miscommunication. Williams' post was brief but loaded: “Thankful #WholeLotta #WeBack #RedLine,” serving as both a celebration of his new beginnings and a not-so-subtle swipe at Rodgers.

While Williams enjoyed immediate success with the Steelers, his time with the Jets was fraught with inconsistency. Following a torn ACL, the Jets had been cautious in reintegrating him, which affected his chemistry with Rodgers. Competing alongside talent like Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, Williams found himself out of sync in New York, which ultimately led to Rodgers calling him out after a game against the Bills where he blamed a bad route for an interception.

Rodgers had said, “There’s two verticals... I’m throwing a no-look to the red line. When I peek back, Mike’s running an ‘in-breaker,’ so it’s got to be down the red line.” This public criticism certainly didn’t help Williams’ standing, particularly when the Jets traded for Davante Adams, leaving no doubt that Williams was no longer in their plans.

So, what exactly is the 'red line' that Rodgers referenced? In the NFL, the 'red line' is essentially a guideline for receivers during practice. It helps them maintain their positions on vertical routes and avoid drifting, which can complicate a quarterback’s throws. It’s an essential part of route running, especially when you're trying to maximize communication and effectiveness on the field.

While Williams struggled in New York, his debut with the Steelers suggests a brighter future ahead. Steelers fans will be eager to see if his ability to shine can carry over into the remainder of the season, and whether he will continue to provide the spark that Pittsburgh needs. Meanwhile, the drama of the Mike Williams vs. Aaron Rodgers saga serves as a reminder of the complexities of NFL dynamics — and how quickly fortunes can shift on and off the field.